Drugs

A drug is a chemical that you take into your body, which changes the way you feel and act. Some drugs are prescribed by a doctor for illnesses. But when people talk about drugs they usually mean drugs that are illegal or unsafe.

Why people take drugs

There are lots of reasons why people take drugs. Some people try drugs because friends are doing it or to look popular in front of people. Some people think drugs can help them forget about feeling sad or hopeless, problems at home or problems at school. And some people may like the thought of doing something dangerous or illegal.

Sometimes people are forced to take drugs. Or are put under pressure to take drugs as a dare.

4 things to remember about taking drugs:

you never know exactly what’s in them

you can't be sure how they'll affect you each time you take them

drugs can have long-term side effects

some drugs are highly addictive and can be hard to stop even if you know they’re bad for you.

if you know what they have taken tell the ambulance crew or, if you've found drugs, hand them over so that they may be able to tell what they're dealing with.

Different types of drugs and their effects

There are lots of different types of drugs and they can all be harmful.

Illegal drugs are described in different classes (A, B and C) depending on how unsafe they are. The harmful effects of these include feeling paranoid, depressed, dizzy, anxious, out of control or physically ill (vomiting). They can also make you feel 'high', relaxed, happy, confident and energetic.

They can affect mental and physical health. You never know how your body will react, so while 1 person might be fine, another might end up with a reaction that could harm them. By taking any type of illegal drug you are also at risk of poisoning, overdosing or dying. The find out more about different types of drugs and their effects, visit Talk to Frank

The punishment for taking, carrying, sharing or selling drugs depends on the type of drug. If the police caught you with any type of drug you could be arrested and sent to prison. You might also not be allowed to travel to certain countries like the USA or Australia. Illegal drugs are described in different 'classes' depending on how addictive or unsafe they are.

These are substances which are meant to have similar effects as some illegal drugs. They are often easily available and sold as different names. The laws have changed to make it illegal to sell legal highs.They are made of chemicals that are often unsafe and can be just as dangerous as other illegal drugs. Find out more about legal highs.

Prescription drugs are drugs that you can only get from a pharmacist or hospital, with a prescription from your doctor. For example, antibiotics and asthma medication. You may need a prescribed drug for an illness or health problem. If you take more than what your doctor tells you to or if you take them without your doctor knowing, it can be unsafe. You should never take prescription medication that is meant for someone else because it may not be safe for you.

Over-the-counter drugs are drugs that can be bought from shops, supermarkets or pharmacies, for example, pills to help with aches, pain, cold and flu. If you take more than what is recommended on the pack or mix them with other drugs, this could be unsafe.

These are drugs that can help with doing well in sport. Some athletes take them to improve the way they perform but this is usually seen as unfair or illegal. Sports clubs and organisations have banned these drugs and they can have dangerous effects.

Drugs to gain muscle:There are some drugs that people take to help build muscle and look bigger. The most common are anabolic steroids. They should only be prescribed by a doctor for medical reasons. It can also be dangerous if you take them without your doctor knowing. These drugs are addictive and can cause depression, anxiety and extreme tiredness. The side effects include; hair loss, severe acne, liver problems and heart attacks.

Drugs to lose weight:There are different types of pills and drugs to help people lose weight. Some of these can be illegal or have dangerous effects. If you want to lose weight you should speak to your doctor first. There are other ways to look different that are safer than taking drugs.